Chapter 74: Back to Diagon Alley
Oz stood across from Alfreda and Norberta, the two of them looked at him with sadness and concern.
"Master... Is there no way I can come with you to Hogwarts? From what you've told me of your last year, it doesn't seem to be the safest of places...".
{Must you go Papa...?}
Looking at the two in front of him, Oz let out an exasperated sigh. Norberta even tried to play on his heartstrings by calling him papa for the first time in a while.
"Alfreda, Ill be fine. You should know by now that my strength isn't anything to scoff at. Ill be able to escape or defend myself in any situation that could arise".
{As for you Norberta... You should stay here with Alfreda and continue to grow}.
Both Alfreda and Norberta knew that when Oz was set on something, he wouldn't give it up so they backed off after hearing his response. Norberta let out a little snort as she replied.
{Fine.. fine Oz, but I'm not a child anymore! I believe it'll be me taking care of Alfreda instead of the other way around!}.
Oz chuckled as he went ahead to grab a hand full of floo powder. A baby dragon saying she could take care of a centuries old elf was indeed a comical statement.
"I understand master... but please be safe~"
Oz could see in the eyes of Alfreda a strong sense of fear. Seeing this, Oz realised that maybe Merlin vanishing on her hit her a lot harder than she shows initially.
"Ill be back before you know it... And next year when I return you'll both see me so much you'll be sick of me".
As Oz finished his sentence, he stepped backwards into the fireplace. Looking at the two he was leaving behind he said one last thing before heading off to his destination.
"Stay safe you two".
At that Oz calmly said "Diagon Alley" throwing his floo powder into the fireplace, in a instant he was whisked away.
.
"*Cough* *Cough*, Ill never get used to travelling via a fireplace...".
Oz had arrived at Diagon alley and the alley was filled with students and there families prepping for the new school year. Before Oz entered the alley he decided to disguise himself just to be safe. Looking in his bag that he placed an extension charm on he realised something.
'That elf... she already took the liberty of buying all the materials and books I needed for this year'.
Alfreda was like a super maid at this point, she always seemed to go above and beyond for Oz and when he'd think she'd shown the limit of her usefulness she'd always startle him again and again. Looking in the bag Oz showed a warm smile.
'I guess I can just explore Diagon alley for a bit...'.
At that thought, Oz wondered up and down diagon alley venturing into shops. He didn't have a goal in plan this time, compared to previous visits so he instead opted to just window shop. Heading into a broomstick shop he saw the new 'Nimbus 2001' on sale.
'I guess it is time for that model to appear isn't it...'.
Strangely enough, this felt like Oz's first time exploring this world despite being here for many years already. Simply going into different shops made his mood improve as he saw all the different artefacts, items and materials on show and with Oz's expansive bank account, he was able to buy whatever he felt like. After collecting some items here and there, Oz sat down in the leaky cauldron for a second to go over his things.
'Hmm... it seems as though Alfreda forgot a couple of books, Oh there's a note?'.
[Master, I hope you don't mind me taking the liberty of buying your school supplies for you. On one of my trips to diagon alley I asked around different shops what books would be needed for a third year student and they all obliged selling me what was needed... there however was one issue with buying your supplies and that was that a certain stores books you needed for the year were sold out. Apparently the day you arrive in diagon alley they should be restocked so you should be able to grab them then... apparently the author is even signing them on that day as well~
Sincerely, Alfreda~]
'This elf is far too good to me... It's almost suffocating'.
Oz felt overwhelmed by Alfreda's service to him. She must really feel like she owes Merlin's bloodline after he saved her people centuries ago.
As Oz looked through all his books trying to figure out what was missing he realised the situation he was in after recalling the end of Alfreda's note.
'Uck... its that frauds books that are missing'.
Oz let out a long sigh as he stood up from his seat in the leaky cauldron and headed towards flourish and blotts.
.
'Sure enough, there's a massive line...'.
Oz had finally arrived at flourish and blotts, sadly just as he predicted a particular man was here signing his books. Looking through the window he could see the mans dumb face as he smiled at all the witches and wizards clamouring towards him to get their books signed.
'I thought the timeline would change enough to make it so he wouldn't appear but sadly not... Gilderoy Lockhart...'.
To Oz he was in all honesty a side character. He didn't have any redeeming qualities and was a fraud at the end of the day. Seeing first hand how popular he actually is at this stage made Oz actually feel sick knowing who he truly was.
While Oz was surveying the shop he noticed some more familiar faces. The Weasleys were all piled in the shop, he could see the young Ginny who was starting this year stood next to Ron. Molly Weasley was stood in the line looking at Gilderoy Lockhart in adoration. Oz rested his hand on his chin as he saw this.
'I guess some things are fated to happen...? Then again its not like somethings happened that would prevent them from being here at this time'.
Oz entered the shop feeling exasperated. As he entered however he heard a conversation to his right.
"Brilliant! So you muggles have machines that do your washing for you? Your kind are truly geniuses!".
Hearing the commotion Oz turned his head to see an excited redheaded man talking to a couple, Oz immediately recognise these people.
'Its Arthur Weasley and... the granger parents. That must mean...'.
Sure enough following Oz's thought he spotted Hermione and Harry in the line further ahead waiting to get there books for the year. Just in front of them was where the rest of the Weasleys were and he could spot Ron turning his head glancing at the pair randomly.
Seeing these two however Oz couldn't help but grin. He slowly walked over towards them and prodded Harry on the shoulder. The boy had grown over the summer, as a matter of fact he seemed a bit more taller than in the canon.
'I guess the Grangers fed him right...'.
Feeling his shoulder be prodded, Harry turned around to Oz who was currently still transfigured.
"C-can I help you sir?".
Oz laughed as he saw Harry's reaction along with Hermione's who looked at him in confusion and apprehension. Oz waved his wand over his face slowly revealing his face. After his face was revealed, both Hermione and Harrys faces morphed into huge grins.
"Oz! You're actually here! Why the hell didn't you send any letters during the summer!?".
Hearing Harry's reprimand, Oz stroked the back of his head whilst changing himself back to his disguise.
"I'm sorry Harry, I was very busy. I'm glad to see you both are doing well...".
Hermione immediately butted in after Oz was done talking.
"Are you here for Gilderoy Lockhart's book signing as well Oz? I knew someone like you would be interested in him, after all he's such an established wizard".
Oz immediately corrected Hermione after hearing her statement.
"I'm just here to grab that mans books seeing as though he's a professor this year... sadly its required to buy his books this term".
Hermione looked at Oz with a slightly angry scowl.
"What do you mean sadl-"
Just as Hermione was rebutting Oz, Gilderoy Lockhart called out.
"That can't be... Harry Potter!"
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
BoiGeorge
BoiGeorge Damn AU couldn't delete the fraud...
Although... Maybe this could lead to some interesting developments?
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